During the Western Jin Dynasty, Liu Kun, a descendant of Prince Liu Sheng of Zhongshan from the Han Dynasty, was a man of extraordinary talent—skilled in martial arts, poetry, and prose, renowned as a heroic figure whose verses won widespread acclaim. Ambitious and driven, he often gathered like-minded young men to discuss the affairs of the realm, vowing to achieve great deeds for the nation.
During the reign of Emperor Huai of Jin, Liu Kun was appointed Inspector of Bingzhou, granted the title of General Who Inspires Awe, and concurrently served as Commandant of the Xiongnu. On his way to assume the post, Liu Kun submitted a memorial to the emperor, stating:
"I am but a man of shallow learning and modest virtue, yet by fortune's twist I have been entrusted with this heavy burden—I tremble at the thought of failing this mission. I set out at the end of September, traversing treacherous mountains and perilous roads where bandits lurked in the forests, blocking the way. Outnumbered, I fought through countless dangers, enduring every hardship until I finally reached Hukou Pass. Upon arriving here, I found famine raging, with refugees scattering in all directions; less than two-tenths of the original households remain. The roads are filled with people carrying the elderly and young, hoping to find shelter and food elsewhere. Those who stayed have sold their wives and children, struggling on the brink of death. White bones litter the fields, and cries of anguish fill the air. Thieves have risen in multitudes, over ten thousand strong, roaming the mountains and plundering at will. Only Huguan can still buy rice, but the roads are so steep that a few men can block passage for hundreds. Trapped in this city, we are at wit's end—I cannot sleep at night nor swallow food by day, and I see no good solution. Though this city is a border outpost, its position is vital; I beg Your Majesty to send grain, cloth, and other supplies to save the people of this town."
Moved by the scene, Emperor Huai of Jin immediately ordered treasures to be brought forth.
When Sima Teng, the governor of Dongying, moved his headquarters from Jinyang to Yecheng, a severe famine struck Bingzhou. Most of the population followed Sima Teng south, leaving fewer than 20,000 households behind. Bandits roamed everywhere, and the roads were impassable. Liu Kun recruited over a thousand men and fought his way to Jinyang, where he found the city littered with corpses and in ruins. The survivors were gaunt and ragged. Liu Kun ordered the burial of the dead, built houses and prisons, cleared the thorns, and began farming. Bandits frequently attacked, forcing farmers to carry shields and quivers even while working the fields. Liu Kun pacified the bandits through persuasion, winning the people's hearts. At that time, Liu Yuanhai was stationed in Lishi, just over 300 li away. Liu Kun secretly sent agents to sow discord among his followers, and over 10,000 villages defected. Within a year of Liu Kun's arrival, refugees gradually returned, and the sounds of roosters and dogs could once again be heard. The locals praised him for restoring order and life to the land.
The idiom "carrying the elderly and supporting the weak" means to help the old and lead the young. Later, it describes crowds of people traveling together in groups.
Source: *Book of Jin*, "Biography of Liu Kun"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "携老扶弱" came to describe crowds of people traveling together in groups.